March 07, 2013 at 05:19PM

(I have been avoiding posting most health related incidents, but this one wins today. Scroll on by if you'd rather. You've been forewarned.) A few weeks ago I had a TERRIBLE doctor's appointment with a new specialist. No help and he gave me information I KNOW is inaccurate about some other health issues. I was unimpressed, but figured that's just how it goes sometimes... until I went to leave and the girl at the desk said I had to pay over $500. That day. I had checked my insurance before meeting with this doc and know my coverage. I have worked with more specialists than I can count and I know the way every single other doctor manages fees. Pay copay at time of service and balance when the insurance comes back with their explanation of benefits (EOB). My copay, even for specialists, is NOT $500+. I was already frustrated, then this demand made me really mad, so of course I ended up in tears and finally let hubs try to talk some sense into the stupidly perky girl via phone. In the end I paid the money, cancelled my follow-up appointment I was considering (for some ridiculous reason), and left to go cry more privately in the car, while deleting items off my grocery list. Today we received the EOB from the insurance company. Member responsibility: less than HALF of what I was required to pay that day. I just spent half an hour on the phone with the manager of billing. She has written out a check that I can pick up tomorrow. She has apologized and says that there is no way I should ever have been charged that much. I am thankful for the way she spoke with me. I am glad she recognized that this has been more than just an office error in our lives. I don't usually carry over $500 in my pocket just in case a useless doctor wants it. I'm also SUPER proud of myself for not falling completely apart when I put my feet up while waiting on hold with her and felt a box of pictures slide off and down onto the floor. Pictures I've spent LOTS of hours sorting and organizing were all fanned out on the floor. Awesome. I'll face those tomorrow. After picking up that check. And going grocery shopping. via Facebook